Electrochemical Hybridization via Simultaneous Electrochemical Doping of Poly(3-Methoxythiophene) with Au Electrodeposition for Anodic Oxidation of 1-Propanol

Hybrid materials composed of gold (Au) and conducting polymers (CP) are promising electrode materials to facilitate anodic oxidation of low-carbon alcohols, such as ethanol and 1-propanol (1-PrOH). The anodic oxidation of these alcohols is used in many industries. Hybridization of CP with Au particles via electrodeposition of Au using a CP-coated electrode as a working electrode is a simple and powerful technique. On the other hand, depending on the applied potential, electrochemical doping of CPs competes with the electrodeposition of Au. The electrochemical doping changes their optoelectronic properties, and drives Au particle precursors, such as tetrachloroaurate(III) (AuCl₄⁻) ions, to penetrate into the CP as dopants. Therefore, the applied potential is expected to affect the electrocatalytic properties of the hybrid materials fabricated by the electrodeposition techniques. Here, the effects of the applied potential for the electrochemical hybridization process on the electrocatalytic properties of the Au/poly(3-methoxythiophene) (Au/P3MeOT) for the anodic oxidation of 1-PrOH are reported. Their electrocatalytic properties are enhanced by performing the electrochemical hybridization of P3MeOT with Au under the potential, where the electrochemical doping of P3MeOT and the electrodeposition of Au proceed simultaneously.